Hermione had not expected him to invite her for tea. As soon as they walked inside Madam Puddifoot's shop, she led them to a little table, on the upper floor, saying she usually was not open at that time, but she would make an exception for young Mr Malfoy. She gave them two pink lacy menus and left them to choose.

"What is your favourite tea, Granger?"

"Oh, I don't know if they will have it…" She said looking through the booklet.

"Even if it's not in the menu, I'm sure Madam Puddifoot will find a way," he said with a smile. Hermione bit her lower lip, excited. It had been so long since she had that tea. She had never been able to find it in a shop. "Madam!" Draco called.

She came back inside the room with a smile. "Yes, lambkins. Have you two chosen? What can I get you?"

"I know it's still a little early, but do you believe we could have some afternoon tea. If it won't bother you too much." Draco said with a smile, a well-bred smile, pureblood smile.

"Of course not, I will bring the full menu for the two of you. What type of tea would you like?" She asked, her eyes still on Draco.

Hermione started to wonder how many times he came to the Tea Shop, to have this connection with the owner.

"Gr- Hermione would like something special if you would indulge us?" he said, mentioning his companion.

Madam Puddifoot's smile grew at the word special. "It will be my pleasure. Tell me, dear. How would you like the tea?"

Hermione felt her cheeks blush, as she told the story of having enjoyed the tea on vacation with her parents when she was younger, in a little tea shop in Paris. A white and green tea blend with traces of Lychee, Peach and Apple.

And then, the older woman was gone with a huge smile on her face.

"Have you never been here before, Granger?" Draco asked.

She shook her head.

"Not even during the time Krum courted you?"

"Viktor did not court me, Malfoy… Whatever that word means in November 1995." she dismissed the thought. "We went to have a butterbeer once or twice at the Three Broomsticks, Viktor did not really enjoy tea."

"A blessing, then, to be the first one to bring you here," Draco said. "I suppose Mrs Puddifoot may offer you a higher service if you're with me."

"Is that right?" She asked as suddenly the table was filled with scones, finger sandwiches, sliced fruit, macarons, éclair, and palmiers. Marmalade, lemon and strawberry curds and herbed butter. "Oh…" Hermione murmured looking at the table, raising her hand to cover her mouth.

"It seems Madam Puddifoot was inspired by your story about Tea in Paris." Before she could reach for the teapot, Draco was already on his feet, pouring two cups, and Hermione just watched him, the wonderful smell reaching her nostrils.

"I did not expect you to serve the tea like that." She said, taking a small sip and it was just like she remembered. The Gryffindor smiled, cradling the cup protectively on her hands.

"Mother always said tea shall be served by hand, and not by magic" He explained, taking his seat again "I'll assume, by the way, that you are smiling, that Madam Puddifoot was able to give you what you asked for?"

She nodded "It's like travelling in time, to better days."

He took a tentatively sip, his eyes on her, and consented with his head. "A lovely blend, Granger. Thank you."

They enjoyed their afternoon in silence until the plates and the cups were empty. "We should go…" Draco said finally. "It's getting late, your sidekicks will soon be wondering where you disappeared to."

Hermione assented to his words, looking down at her empty pink cup. It had been such a loving afternoon. She did not want to go back to the castle and recall that this had been a lie. "How much shall I pay for my half?"

Draco chuckled. "As if I would let you pay. I invited you, after all. And before you can argue, it's already paid, the Malfoys have a tab." He did not wait for her to argue, getting up to his feet and coming to her side, holding one of his hand for her to take.

Hermione sighed, looking one more time at the table, wishing to remember all the details. She followed him down the stairs and out of the shop. "Goodbye, Granger, Thank you." He said disappearing into Hogsmeade.

She was halfway to Hogwarts when it started to rain, and she was caught on the drizzle. It was only when she entered the common room and felt the warmth of the fire that she realized that she could have a cast a spell to stay warm as soon as she entered Hogwarts grounds, but she forgot because Draco fucking Malfoy was flooding her thoughts. Again.

"New jacket, Hermione?" Lavender asked once Hermione entered the dorm to change. And only then did the Gryffindor noticed that she was still wearing Draco's leather jacket.